Doorstop interview, Melbourne

TREASURER:

Victoria can’t [inaudible] money for a project that they’ve decided they don’t want to proceed with. We are absolutely committed to East West Link. We have it as a contingent liability in our Budget. For anyone that wants to build East West Link – any Victorian Government that wants to build it, we’re ready to stump up $3 billion but the Victorian Government has decided it’s not going to build it, so they can’t hang on to the money.

REPORTER:

What about using it for other projects?

TREASURER:

We’re always prepared to discuss that and that’s part of the discussions but under the agreement – the written agreement between Victoria and the Federal Government – if they’re not using the money, they’ll give it back and then we’ll look at other projects as well.

REPORTER:

Would it be available for metro-rail link?

TREASURER:

Well, we have other proposals in relation to metro-rail. We’re talking to the Victorian Government but ultimately they can’t use $1.5 billion that was given to them for East West Link to prop up their Budget.

REPORTER:

It could be potentially available for that project though?

TREASURER:

We’ll look at other things; we’re happy to look at other projects. Okay, thanks.